Kfar Chabad

Kfar Chabad is a settlement in Eretz Yisroel located in the center of the country, south of Tel Aviv and north of Lod, within the Sdot Dan Regional Council. The village contains the largest concentration of Chabad chassidim and Chabad institutions in Israel, and the second largest in the world. It serves as a spiritual and organizational center for Chabad chassidus in Israel. As of 5780 (2020), approximately 1,800 families live in the village.

The settlement was established on 21 Iyar 5709 (1949) at the direction of the Rebbe Rayatz to absorb chassidim who left the Soviet Union after World War II and were staying in displaced persons camps in Europe. The village was founded on the area of Safaria - an abandoned Arab village - and its residents initially relied on agriculture for their livelihood. Over the years, with the development of technology, agricultural work has significantly decreased, though even today some residents maintain beehives and esrog orchards from Calabria stock.

History

The Founding Concept

In 5704 (1944), Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, a prominent Chabad rabbi and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Eretz Hakodesh, first proposed to the Rebbe Rayatz the establishment of a Chabad settlement in Eretz Hakodesh. A similar proposal was published during those years in newspapers in Eretz Hakodesh by the Chabad activist R' Eliyahu Tzvi Dunchin.

Rabbi Karasik's proposal became relevant after World War II when Chabad chassidim left Russia en masse. The heads of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, Rabbi Karasik and his brother-in-law Rabbi Moshe Gurary, traveled to the displaced persons camps in Europe to assess the situation, and from Europe they traveled to New York before Tishrei to meet with the Rebbe Rayatz. During Tishrei 5708 (1947), both had many "yechidus" sessions with the Rebbe Rayatz where they presented the plan. After them, Zalman Shazar entered for yechidus with the Rebbe Rayatz. The meeting was lengthy, and during it, the Rebbe Rayatz inquired about all possibilities for establishing a Chabad settlement in Eretz Yisroel. As a result of these conversations, the Rebbe Rayatz concluded that the proposal was serious and feasible, and informed the Chabad leaders in Eretz Hakodesh of his decision.

On 19 Kislev 5708 (1947), Shazar approached the Rebbe Rayatz, and a plan was agreed upon to establish a Chabad settlement in Eretz Hakodesh. In the following months, the War of Independence began, and the plan was postponed.

On 19 Kislev 5709 (1948), when Mr. Shazar attended a farbrengen at the Chabad synagogue on Nachalat Binyamin Street in Tel Aviv, the heads of Agudas Chassidei Chabad spoke with him about establishing the settlement and its agricultural character. Mr. Shazar suggested organizing a fundraiser in the United States to cover expenses, and also spoke about settling Chabad chassidim in a colony near Tzfat or Meron. Shazar asked whether a large group of chassidim was expected to arrive soon, as only then could they be assisted in an organized manner. Following this conversation, with Shazar's help, the heads of Agudas Chassidei Chabad met with Mr. Avraham Herzfeld and several other senior officials from the Jewish Agency and government ministries to discuss the matter. The Agudas Chassidei Chabad leaders worked under the guidance of the Rebbe Rayatz, who sent Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary (the Rebbe Rayatz's son-in-law) and Rabbi Binyamin Gorodetzky to assist them.

On 25 Adar, the Rebbe Rayatz gave his final approval: "As a general response to your proposal to establish a colony for refugee Anash in Eretz Hakodesh, and in response to Mr. Zalman Shazar Rubashov's letter on this matter, I hereby respond that I generally agree to this proposal for those refugee Anash who desire it."

During that time, the chassidim in Europe received various instructions from the Rebbe Rayatz regarding their future arrangements. Some were instructed to go to the United States, some to Eretz Hakodesh, and others were instructed to settle in France and other countries.

In preparation for the chassidim's aliyah to Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe Rayatz established a committee for refugee resettlement, composed of four members of Agudas Chassidei Chabad: Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, Rabbi Shaul Dov Ber Zislin, Rabbi Moshe Gurary, and Rabbi Pinchas Althaus. The official name of the committee was: "Office of the Rebbe Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch. Department of Refugee Aid and Resettlement. Eretz Hakodesh Branch." This committee worked for the olim and for the establishment of the "Chabad colony" through advocacy among public figures.

The Village's Establishment

When the first group of chassidim arrived in Eretz Yisroel, they were housed in a transit camp in Pardes Chana, where each family received a small hut for temporary housing. There - alongside the committee for refugee resettlement - the olim established another committee that dealt with establishing the colony, headed by R' Zalman Feldman, with R' Zalman Bronstein, R' Yitzchak Meir Greenberg, R' Avraham Shmuel Gerlick, R' Dovid Chen, and R' Zalman Sudkevich. The Mizrachi movement proposed to them and to the refugee resettlement committee to establish the Chabad colony on the ruins of the Arab village "Safaria," but they stipulated that the village residents must register with the party's registry.

The Agudas Chassidei Chabad members firmly refused and tried to work with the Jewish Agency to establish the village without registering with the Mizrachi movement. Meanwhile, in Iyar 5709 (1949), 70 families from among Chabad chassidim who were housed in transit camps began to settle unofficially in the abandoned Arab houses. On 21 Iyar 5709 (1949), Levi Eshkol gave the approval for the establishment of the village, and it was officially established. On Erev Shabbos Parshas Behar-Bechukosai 5709 (1949), the Rebbe Rayatz sent a letter of encouragement to the first settlers in Kfar Chabad, informing them of a Torah scroll that was being sent to them.

During the years 5709-5710 (1949-1950), the Rebbe Rayatz made many efforts to establish the settlement economically. As part of these efforts, the Rebbe Rayatz sent many letters to officials from the Jewish Agency and the Joint Distribution Committee to help the residents of Kfar Chabad. After the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe continued to encourage the settlers, and with his great encouragement, the village grew.

In accordance with the request of Agudas Chassidei Chabad and Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, Mr. Eshkol committed to providing the residents with appropriate farming equipment within a few years, and a sum of 26,000 liras was allocated for the new village residents.

Initially, forty-five families settled in the village, and after Shavuos, another thirty families arrived. The houses in which the settlers lived were in poor condition, and with the help of the Jewish Agency, they were renovated.

The village was officially inaugurated on 12 Tammuz 5709 (1949), at a large event attended by Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary as the representative of the Rebbe Rayatz. During that period, the Rebbe Rayatz sent a Torah scroll to Kfar Chabad with Rabbi Avraham Paris.

During the founding period of the village, several members of the Mizrachi movement settled alongside the new settlement and established their own settlement then called "Tochelet," claiming that the area where the village residents lived belonged to their party. In a letter to the Chassidic philanthropist R' Shlomo Palmer, Rabbi Karasik describes the affair:

The village that was placed at our disposal was invaded, with the claim that the village was theirs, and a war broke out between the Mizrachi and the Left, because they wanted to come to our aid without receiving any compensation, and finally we won with God's help, and they divided the village into two, and we do not belong at all to the Mizrachi, and we will have a special council and even a different name for the village.

After several years, most of the residents of "Tochelet" left their place, except for a few residents who insisted on living in a kind of autonomy on a small hill within Kfar Chabad.

In the early days of the village, most of the village residents were engaged in various agricultural sectors such as raising animals, poultry, various vegetables, and more. Over the years, with the advancement of technology, agricultural work in Kfar Chabad was gradually abandoned, and currently, limited agriculture remains in the village.

The First Years

In Tishrei 5710 (1949), a meeting was held among the residents where it was decided to appoint Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik as the village rabbi. The Rebbe Rayatz subsequently sent Rabbi Garelik a congratulatory letter on the appointment. One of Rabbi Garelik's first actions in his role was establishing the mikveh in the village, which was done with the Rebbe's encouragement.

Towards the Shemitah year that fell in 5712 (1952), the Rebbe sent a letter to the village residents instructing them not to rely on the heter mechirah, and simultaneously the Rebbe worked to obtain financial assistance for the village residents during the Shemitah year.

In 5712 (1952), the Rebbe announced in a letter to Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin, one of the Chabad rabbis in Jerusalem, that if needed, he would pay half the construction costs of any new building in Kfar Chabad.

In 5715 (1955), the Rebbe encouraged the proposal to establish a second Kfar Chabad where Moroccan immigrants settled.

In 5715 (1955), the vocational school was established in the village. On Thursday night, the eve of 1 Iyar 5716 (1956), at around eight in the evening, while the students and instructors were standing in the evening prayer, the classroom and prayer room of the vocational school in Kfar Chabad was attacked by 'Fedayeen' infiltrators from Jordan. In the cruel massacre, the instructor Hatomim Simcha Zilberstrom and five students were killed. A printing house called 'Yad Hachamisha' was established in their memory.

After the Rebbe learned that the village girls had no educational institution to attend after completing their studies, the Rebbe instructed to work on establishing a Chabad high school in the village, while simultaneously instructing to ensure that the girls would be sent to the most Charedi institution that existed. In 5717 (1957), Beit Rivka Kfar Chabad was established.

In 5720 (1960), several new houses were built near the train in the village, which were then called "Kfar Chabad Beis."

In 5723 (1963), the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Lod was transferred to Kfar Chabad.

In 5726 (1966), following the Rebbe's instruction, a special committee was established that took care of installing a generator in the village.

In 5730 (1970), the Bukharian Yeshiva "Or Simcha" was established in the village by R' Simcha Gorodetzky.

In 5733 (1973), the Talmud Torah Ohalei Torah Kfar Chabad was established by R' Menachem Mendel Futerfas and R' Moshe Vishetsky.

During those years, the construction of the Beit Menachem synagogue began, which was inaugurated on 11 Nissan 5738 (1978).

On 8 Sivan 5734 (1974), the village rabbi, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik, was killed in a car accident. After his passing, it was decided to appoint Rabbi Nachum Trebnik as the rabbi, and Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi as Moreh Tzedek.

From the 1980s Onward

Expanded entry – Beit Aguch 770 Kfar Chabad

This section is lacking. Please contribute to Chabadpedia and complete it. There may be more details on the talk page.

On 3 Tishrei 5744 (1983), Rabbi Nachum Trebnik, the rabbi of Kfar Chabad, passed away, and Rabbi Ashkenazi was appointed as his replacement.

Following the Seforim case, a replica of 770 was established in the village under the direct instruction of the Rebbe. The building was inaugurated on 15 Tammuz 5746 (1986).

In Shevat 5752 (1992), in the presence of important Chabad rabbis, the cornerstone was laid for the Palace for the King Moshiach, the location of which was chosen by the Rebbe near the replica building of 770.

In 5772 (2012), a new Talmud Torah called "Talmud Torah Beit Lubavitch" was established in the village.

On 23 Tevet 5775 (2015), the village rabbi, Rabbi Ashkenazi, passed away, and his son, Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi, was appointed in his place.

At the beginning of the 5781 (2020) school year, Cheder Ohr Lubavitch was established in the village, and the Chabad Yeshiva of Petach Tikvah moved to its location in the Bukharian Yeshiva complex.

In 5767 (2007), the Levi Yitzchak B neighborhood was populated. And in 5771 (2011), the Build Your Own Home neighborhood.

Village Name

Over the years, there was a struggle regarding the name of the village. Initially, the village was called "Safria" after the Arab village that was located there, and then "Lod Heh." Later, the Names Committee decided to Hebraize the Arabic name to "Moshav Shafrir." In 5715 (1955), the village residents, following the Rebbe's instructions, requested to change the name to "Kfar Chabad." The Rebbe subsequently worked to change the name to "Kfar Chabad" in various documents and in the press. The name eventually entered public awareness after the massacre at the vocational school.

On one occasion, the Rebbe explained the meaning of the name: "Kfar" (village) - according to what is explained in Chassidus that a person who is "a villager" is more impressed by seeing the king, similarly when Moshiach comes, the village residents will be greatly impressed, and "Chabad" - from which the wellsprings of Chabad will spread forth.

References from the Rebbe

Over the years, the Rebbe encouraged the residents of the village and would frequently receive delegations representing Kfar Chabad residents for private audiences. The Rebbe also often encouraged important figures to visit Kfar Chabad. To President Shazar, the Rebbe wrote: "Surely, as has been your good custom for several years, you will visit Kfar Chabad on the bright day of 19 Kislev." The Rebbe would tell people traveling to Israel to convey regards to Kfar Chabad.

The Rebbe was even involved in every detail of Kfar Chabad.

In a private audience with Kfar Chabad residents in Tishrei 5744 (1983), the Rebbe said: "The spiritual foundations of Kfar Chabad are first and foremost, as is obvious from the name Kfar Chabad - the study of the inner dimensions of Torah, the soul of Torah, Chabad of Torah together with the study of the revealed aspects of Torah. This requires the preparation of prayer service."

Later in the audience, the Rebbe also said: "Jewish women and girls have a very great influence on their husbands, parents, brothers, and sisters. It is understood, therefore, that the fulfillment of all these matters - of 'love truth and peace' - depends on them. They will surely set a living example in this, with joy and goodness of heart. Thus, the 'old and foolish king' will have no foothold in Kfar Chabad."

During Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik's tenure as chairman of the Kfar Chabad committee, the Rebbe would often call him through one of the secretaries to inquire about happenings in the village. Rabbi Maidanchik also received hundreds of confidential notes from the Rebbe regarding the management of the village. The Rebbe instructed that these notes be destroyed immediately after reading them.

Capital of the Land of Israel

The Rebbe expressed several times that Kfar Chabad is the capital city of the Land of Israel and there one can tangibly sense G-dliness despite it being called a "village." When Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi told the Rebbe that he intended to live in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, the Rebbe responded: "Why not in Kfar Chabad, the capital city of the Land of Israel?"

The Rebbe added that the role of Kfar Chabad residents is to conquer the Land of Israel with matters of Kfar Chabad, and that Kfar Chabad itself is a place that affects all of the Land of Israel.

The Rebbe also told Rabbi Shloimke Maidanchik in a private audience in 5744 (1984) that when joy prevails in Kfar Chabad, the situation will influence all of the Land of Israel so that everyone there will be joyful, and the situation in the Land of Israel will influence the entire world.

Geography

The village's area is approximately 2,500 dunams. As of 5780 (2020), the village population includes more than 2,000 households and about 8,500 people. Over the years, the village has developed significantly and today it stands first on the development list of the Sdot Dan Regional Council. The Regional Council building is also located in the village. The village is the most populated village in Israel. Additionally, the village is home to the largest Chabad community in Israel and the second largest in the world (after Crown Heights).

Neighborhoods and Streets

There are about 8 neighborhoods-areas in the village: The Center, The Train Neighborhood, The Russian Neighborhood, "The Rav's Neighborhood," The New Housing Projects, Levi Yitzchak A and B, and the Build Your Home neighborhood (the last three being the most recently built as of 5780/2020).

In 5776 (2016), at the initiative of the committee chairman R' Shimon Rabinowitz, the Kfar Chabad committee decided to give names to the village streets. The Mara D'Asra Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi supported the decision, relying on the Rebbe's words to Rabbi Yitzchak Mendel Liss who suggested during a 'yechidus' in Elul 5715 (1955) to give names to the village streets: "The idea itself is very correct, but since the building of the village has not yet been completed, and certainly more neighborhoods and streets will be added, perhaps they will need to change names of certain streets, 'and it will be difficult to deal with holy names,' therefore the implementation should be delayed."

Rabbi Ashkenazi noted that "in our days when most of the village area has already been built, thank G-d, and it is recognizable which streets are main streets and which are side streets, names can be given to the streets," and added that "the need for street names sometimes borders on pikuach nefesh (life-threatening situations), when emergency services find it difficult to reach a family in need due to the lack of a clear address, and passersby also cannot help because they themselves sometimes do not know the family calling for help - due to the multitude of families in the village, may they increase."

The committee appointed a special committee to choose names for the streets and squares in the village. On the 3rd of Iyar, a list of 42 street names was published, headed by the names of our Rebbeim, as well as the name of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (the Rebbe's father), names of Chassidic books, and the three rabbis of the village. The squares in the village were named after the ten mivtzoyim (campaigns) announced by the Rebbe.

Institutions and Organizations in the Village

• Agudas Chassidei Chabad 770 Kfar Chabad
• Agudas Chassidei Chabad in the Holy Land
• Kehot Branch in the Holy Land
• Or Avner
• Kfar Chabad Immigrant Center
• Association of Yeshiva Students - Central ATaH - 770
• Ashnav L'Chabad
• Moshiach Headquarters in the Holy Land
• "Hisachdus HaChassidim" Offices
• Yad L'Yeled HaMeyuchad
• Levi Yitzchak Institute
• Torah Scroll of the Children of Israel
• Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in the Holy Land
• Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak Network
• The Pensioners
• Beis Moshiach Weekly
• Kfar Chabad Weekly
• ATaH Center in the Holy Land
• Toras Chabad for Yeshiva Students

Synagogues

Second Hakafot at the 'Beit Menachem' Synagogue

• Beit Menachem. Named after the Rebbe. The largest and central synagogue in the village, which has minyanim from the early morning hours until after midnight, and where the main farbrengens take place on special days such as Yud-Tet Kislev, Chai Elul, and more.
• The 'Central' Synagogue
• The Synagogue in the 770 Building
• Beit Nachum Yitzchak. Named after Rabbi Nachum Yitzchak Pinson. Mashpia of the synagogue - Rabbi Zalman Gopin
• Yisrael Aryeh Leib. (Tefillah L'Moshe) Named after the Rebbe's brother. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Eliezer Brod
• Synagogue for youth "Steinbach Shul" in the new housing neighborhood
• Synagogue for youth "Givat Lubavitch". Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Shimon Gopin
• "Minyan Zusha" - Beit Menachem basement. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Dov Tvardovitch
• R' Mendel's Shul. Named after Rabbi Menachem Mendel Brock. Rabbi and Mashpia of the synagogue: Rabbi Baruch Shlomo Belzhinsky
• Raichik Shul. Named after Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Raichik. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Asher Eisenbach
• Barke Shul - Named after Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber Lipsker. Located in the "Hyper Lipsker" store complex
• Latter Shul - The library in the 770 building. Mashpia of the synagogue - Rabbi David Abba Zalmanov
• "Ohel Yaakov" Synagogue
• Beit Mordechai Shmuel Synagogue. Named after Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi, the Rabbi of Kfar Chabad
• Yaakov Avinu - Gindi family
• Shaarei Eliyahu
• Synagogue in Kfar Chabad Beis
• Mizrachi Shul
• Dan Yoel's Shul
• Mishkan Yaakov. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Eyal Chelek
• Ohel Yosef Yitzchak Borovsky
• Tiferet Shlomo (Holtzman) - Rabbis: Rabbi Michael Moyal, Rabbi Nissim Cohen
• Berel Shul - Synagogue in the home of Rabbi Dovber Prus in the new housing neighborhood. Among the rabbis of the synagogue - Rabbi Chaim Prus
• Minyan Admur Hazaken - Ohel Tefillah on Admur Hazaken Street. Located in the parking area of the Kfar Chabad Talmud Torah. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Tzvi Rotenberg
• Synagogue for youth Klemenzon Shul. Rabbi of the synagogue - Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Friedman. Located in the Railway neighborhood
• Pitche Shul - Synagogue in the vegetable store area of the Rivkin family in the center of the village - operates on Shabbat and holidays
• Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue - operates on Shabbat and holidays and during the week "Yagdil Torah" is held
• Keter Ovadia - Located in the courtyard of Rabbi Azriel Mafai's house

Educational Institutions

• Kindergartens
• Talmud Torah Kfar Chabad
• Ohalei Torah - Cheder Yiddish
• Cheder Or Lubavitch (formerly Beit Chinuch Lubavitch)
• Technical School (closed)
• Beit Rivka High School
• Beit Rivka College
• Or Simcha Institutions
• Gan Israel Kfar Chabad
• Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad
• Yeshivat Or Tmimim (closed)
• Yeshivat Ohalei Tmimim headed by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Moshe Hillel
• Yeshivat Or Menachem (closed)
• The Bukharian Yeshiva
• Yeshiva Ketana Kfar Chabad headed by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yitzchak Axelrod - formerly located in Petach Tikva
• Yeshivat Ohalei Menachem Mendel for Kvutza graduates and mekuravim, headed by Roshei Yeshiva Rabbi Zalman Turnheim and Rabbi Yehuda Leib Nachmanson
• Kollel Avrechim - currently in the 770 building

Public Buildings

• Kfar Chabad Committee offices
• Shdot Dan Regional Council
• Mayanot - Kfar Chabad Community Center
• "Health Services - Clalit" clinic and "Tipat Chalav"
• "Meuhedet" health clinic
• Events tent adjacent to the 'Beit Menachem' synagogue (established in 5763/2003)
• Event hall in Kfar Chabad Beis (began operating in 5773/2013)
• Talmud Torah hall
• Pensioners' hall

Miscellaneous

• "Behind the Honey" - educational-experiential center about bee activity and honey production within the Schneerson apiary, managed by the family of R' Moshe Schneerson OBM
• Kfar Chabad Pool - separate pool for women and men in the Technical School complex
• Kfar Chabad Matzah Bakery
• Two Calabria etrog orchards
• Kfar Chabad Slaughterhouse

Mikvaot

• The Central Mikvah
• Beit Menachem Mikvah
• 'Mikvah Yisrael' in the Nachum Yitzchak synagogue
• 'Raichik Shul' Mikvah
• 'Yankel's Mikvah' named after R' Yaakov Stambler
• Mikvah in Kfar Chabad Beis

Economy

Most of the village residents work outside the village. However, the village still maintains some of its agricultural character with residents who keep beehives (like "Behind the Honey") and Calabrian etrog orchards.

The village has 3 grocery stores, clothing shops, jewelry stores, household goods stores, restaurants, fish, a poultry slaughterhouse, 2 butcher shops, an Israel Post branch and a car rental company. Additionally, several factories operate in the village such as bakeries (including the world's largest hand-made matzah bakery), a leather processing factory, and an air conditioner parts manufacturing plant. The village is also home to the "Schneerson Beehive" honey farm, alongside which operates a visitor center called "Behind the Honey" primarily intended for kindergarten and school children.

The postal branch in Kfar Chabad opened on 14 Adar I 5719 (1959), and in 5767 (2007), the postal branch was renovated and relocated to a new location.

Transportation

A significant portion of transportation to and from the village is via Israel Railways, which maintains a station in Kfar Chabad that serves all the surrounding communities. In addition, there are about six regular bus lines operated by Egged, Superbus, and Dan companies that operate at bus stops scattered throughout the village:

• Line 354 from Kfar Chabad to Bnei Brak and back (first and last stop in Beer Yaakov) operates on all weekdays and also on Motzei Shabbat. Line 354 is the most frequent line in the village.
• Line 357 - from Kfar Chabad to Jerusalem and back. Operates on Thursdays, Fridays, and Motzei Shabbat.
• Line 134 - from Kfar Chabad to Beitar Illit and back.
• Line 548 - from Kfar Chabad to Nachalat Har Chabad in Kiryat Malachi and back. On Sunday through Wednesday and on Friday, the line operates twice a day (in the morning and afternoon), on Thursday the line does not operate, and on Motzei Shabbat it runs once.
• Line 174 from Kfar Chabad to Elad and back.
• Line 153 from Kfar Chabad to Tel Aviv and back.

Besides these lines that depart directly from Kfar Chabad, there are two additional bus stops at the village junction where buses pass with high frequency every day to the cities of Tel Aviv, Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem, Rishon LeZion, Ramla, Beer Yaakov, Lod, and more.

Train Station

The train station in Kfar Chabad was established in 5712 (1952) under the supervision of activist Rabbi Yitzchak Mendel Lis. The station is located in the industrial zone on the outskirts of Kfar Chabad. The station is close to Moshav Tzafriya.

Even before the platform was established, the station was a "stopping point" called Safaria, named after the Arab village that was located there, on the railway line to Jerusalem. Over the years, a short platform about 50 meters long was built with a small sheet metal shelter. With the completion of the double-tracking of the railway between Lod and Tel Aviv in 5759 (1999), the station was upgraded and now has two long platforms with benches and an underground passage connecting the platforms. For many years, the train station in the village was considered the longest station in Israel.

During most hours of the day, five trains per hour stop at the station, most of which continue to Tel Aviv and Lod stations and from there to various destinations.

I'll translate this document from Hebrew to English while keeping all Judaic/Torah/Chabad terms intact, maintaining the structure with headings, and keeping both Hebrew and English years as requested.

Kfar Chabad Committee

Expanded Entry – Kfar Chabad Committee

The village is managed by a special committee of seven members who elect the committee chairman. Elections are held every few years, but sometimes the Rabbi calls residents to a general assembly, and according to a vote - the current committee's term is extended (without elections).

In the early years of Kfar Chabad, the Kfar Chabad Committee operated under the responsibility of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in the Holy Land. Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, and Rabbi Pinie Althoiz worked in various ways to establish and develop Kfar Chabad, while ensuring that the village committee could function despite frequent changes in committee membership and chairmanship.

In the year 5720 (1960), Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik was appointed chairman of the Kfar Chabad Committee, a position he held for about 25 years. During his tenure as chairman of the Kfar Chabad Committee, he built the houses in the center of the village and the "shikunim" (housing projects), and many buildings sprouted - synagogues, educational institutions, a clinic, shops, and more. During these years, Rabbi Maidanchik managed to create extensive connections with all the key figures of the State of Israel, and enlisted prime ministers, ministers, members of Knesset, and other senior officials for the benefit of Kfar Chabad in particular and Chabad in general.

After him, Menachem Lerer served in the position, followed by Rabbi Binyamin Lipshitz. After him, Rabbi Shimon Rabinowitz served.

Alongside these official activists, there were other activists who worked for the benefit of the village over the years, both when they held official positions and when they retired from their positions and continued to do everything in their power for the village. Among the most prominent:

Rabbi Zusha Wilmowsky the Partisan, who acted in his capacity as secretary of the Kfar Chabad Committee, and even after retiring for many years did everything for the welfare of village residents, both alongside Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik and alongside Rabbi Menachem Lerer. Rabbi Yona Eidelkop, who worked hand in hand with Rabbi Zusha Wilmowsky and Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik. Rabbi Baruch Gopin, Rabbi David Chen, Rabbi Itche Mendel Lis - village secretary, Rabbi Mendel Futerfas, Rabbi Moshe Zvi Segal, Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Berel'e Wolf. Rabbi Meir Freiman who served as committee secretary alongside Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik.

In Shevat 5776 (2016), elections were held in Kfar Chabad for members of the Kfar Chabad Committee. Rabbi Shimon Rabinowitz received the highest number of votes, and at a meeting held on the evening of Yud Shevat after the vote count, in the presence of the Mara D'Atra Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi and in the presence of the council chairman David Yifrach, Rabbi Rabinowitz was elected by all committee members to serve as chairman of the village committee. In a speech he gave afterwards, he committed to preserving the physical and spiritual character of Kfar Chabad for the Rebbe's nachas.

In Adar 5778 (2018), additional elections were held for the village committee. The election campaign was turbulent mainly due to the intervention of Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi who supported the new committee. In a meeting he held on the 20th of Adar, the Rabbi asked very pointed questions about the full conduct of the previous committee headed by Rabbi Shimon Rabinowitz and showed dissatisfaction with another run by most committee members. Following the committee's run despite the Rabbi's speech, the Rabbi emphasized to the residents the magnitude of responsibility and potential chillul Hashem (desecration of God's name) and prominently supported the new committee. On Thursday, the 28th of Adar, elections were held and the new committee headed by Rabbi Nachman Reichman was elected.

Expanded Entry – Kfar Chabad Local Committee

In 5779 (2019), additional elections were held for the local committee. These elections are controversial due to being the first time the two committees of the village, the municipal and the Agudah committee, are going to split due to the Rabbi's instructions on the matter.

Although the Rabbi supported a list headed by Rabbi Nachman Reichman - chairman of the Agudah committee, in the end Rabbi Shimon Rabinowitz was elected to head the committee.

Towards the municipal elections in 5784 (2024), it was agreed among members of all lists to leave the situation as is and not hold elections for the local committee headed by Rabbi Rabinowitz, but only for representatives in the Sdot Dan Regional Council[43].

On the 6th of Adar I, it was announced that it was decided to hold elections for the Kfar Chabad Committee (the Agudah), and the elections were set for the 10th of Sivan 5784 (2024)[44]. Several lists competed in the elections, and the results:

The committee chairman is Rabbi Menachem Lerer. Committee members: Rabbi Binyamin Lipshitz, Rabbi Menachem Lerer, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Amitai, Rabbi Yitzchak Roitblat, Rabbi Nachman Reichman, Rabbi Mendy Bloy, and Rabbi Moishe'le Gutman.

Sdot Dan Regional Council

According to the Rebbe's instructions, Chabad representatives from Kfar Chabad run in elections and are elected as members of the Sdot Dan Regional Council (formerly Emek Lod).

Kfar Chabad representatives have served and continue to serve in senior positions in the council, such as deputy chairman, education department manager, treasurer, and more.

Kfar Chabad representatives in the council:

Rabbi Binyamin Lipshitz Rabbi Chaim Reichman Rabbi Shmuel Azimov Rabbi Menachem Mendel Bloy Rabbi Menachem Mendel Dobruskin

Rabbis of Kfar Chabad

Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik, the first rabbi of Kfar Chabad. Rabbi Nachum Trebnik, son-in-law of Rabbi Garelik. Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi. Grandson of one of the founders of Kfar Chabad - Rabbi Eliezer Karasik. During Rabbi Trebnik's period, Rabbi Ashkenazi was a Moreh Tzedek (Posek), and after his passing was appointed as the rabbi of Kfar Chabad. Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi - replacing his father in the rabbinate of Kfar Chabad since his passing in 5775 (2015).

Kfar Chabad Beis

Kfar Chabad Beis - the educational campus of Kfar Chabad, or "the Seminary" as it is called by village residents. The educational campus is located in an independent complex near the village and houses the girls' middle school, girls' high school, and the "Beit Rivka Kfar Chabad" teacher training college, which trains teachers and kindergarten teachers for a bachelor's degree. About 800 students from all over the country study at the educational campus.

Its establishment was accompanied by many difficulties. The founder is Rabbi Shmuel Chefer, and during the establishment, he was assisted by Rabbi Mendel Futerfas, Rabbi Zusha Wilmowsky, and Rabbi Yona Eidelkop.

Following the establishment of the educational institutions, a community formed around the institutions, and today several dozen families live there (mainly staff families), who established a synagogue and a mikveh tahara.

The complex has a banquet hall in the dining room, which served the students who were in the dormitory, and today there are no students in the dormitory. The banquet hall is managed by Rivkin Catering.

For Further Reading

• Kfar Chabad - Compiled from the Rebbe's talks and letters about Kfar Chabad, first published by Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Bukiet. Two-volume edition, published by Vaad Kfar Chabad, 5764 (2004), expanded single-volume edition edited by Rabbi Zusha Wolf, published by Vaad Kfar Chabad (Association) Tishrei 5783 (2022)
• Leaving Russia (Book) Fifth Gate "Wanderings" - The Settlement in Kfar Chabad
• Beit Moshiach Weekly Issue 1359 page 19. Revelation: When was Kfar Chabad established? (Zalman Shazar's letter suggesting a change to the date of the beginning of the Kfar Chabad establishment plan)
• Avraham Chanoch Glitzenstein and Shmuel Chefer, Chabad in Israel Album, 5737 (1977). Visual documentation of Chabad in the Holy Land including institutions and homes of Kfar Chabad.
• Shalom Dovber Levin, History of Chabad in the Holy Land, Kehot, 5748 (1988) - The establishment of Kfar Chabad
• Shmuel Krauss, President and Chassid, 5759 (1999) - Shazar's assistance in establishing and developing Kfar Chabad and its institutions
• Shneur Zalman Ruderman, 70 Faces of Kfar Chabad, 5778 (2018).
• Shneur Zalman Rabinowitz, The First Tamim Biography of Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik, the Rabbi of Kfar Chabad, fourth chapter "Man of Many Accomplishments", 5781 (2021).

Biographies of the Village Founders

• Shlomi Chaski, Maidanchik - The Locomotive of Chabad, 5773 (2013) - Biography of the Chairman of Vaad Kfar Chabad
• Shneur Zalman Berger, The Partisan, 5765 (2005) - Biography of the Secretary of Vaad Kfar Chabad
• Shneur Zalman Berger, I am Abraham's Servant, 5772 (2012) - Biography of Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, initiator of Kfar Chabad's establishment

External Links

• Official Website of Vaad Kfar Chabad
• The Rebbe's Relationship to Kfar Chabad Overview in Hitkashrut issue no. 1189
• The Rebbe's Letter to Kfar Chabad

Media

• Jewish Agency video from 5721 (1961) from the train station in Kfar Chabad, 12 years after the village's establishment
• Booklet on 'Views of Kfar Chabad' in the year of the Kaf's
• Kfar Chabad in aerial photography
• 5726 (1966): Rare and moving documentary film about Kfar Chabad

Historical Articles

• The Battle for the Name "Kfar Chabad"
• Midnight Invasion - Overview of Kfar Chabad's establishment from the book "I am Abraham's Servant"
• Overview of electricity in Kfar Chabad and the generator installed for Shabbat and holidays
• Shneur Zalman Berger, Kfar Chabad Station - Vilna Branch, in Beit Moshiach Weekly, Iyar 5776 (2016)
• The Early Days of Kfar Chabad - How it Looked Decades Ago • Rare
• Hat on the Head and Hoe in Hand: Rare Pictures from Kfar Chabad
• The American Senator Visited the Village. Now the Pictures are Revealed • Rare
• 73 Years Since the Establishment of Kfar Chabad: The Press Then with Rare Photographs
• Synagogues in Kfar Chabad Then and Now, the Rebbe's Village

Gallery

• Special Project: The Courtyard Minyanim in Kfar Chabad • Part One
• COL Project: The Courtyard Minyanim in Kfar Chabad • Part Two | Watch
• COL Project: The Courtyard Minyanim in Kfar Chabad • Part Three | Watch
• Hechtman Presents: The 770 Building in Kfar Chabad • Spectacular Documentation
• Kfar Chabad from an Angle You Haven't Seen • The Chabad Photographer Presents Documentation